Athene.  Do you want a lot of reasons, or the real one?

Builder.  This is maddening! [Goes up stage].

Athene.  Mother dear, will you go into the other room with Guy? [She points to the door Right].

Builder.  Why?

Athene.  Because I would rather she didn’t hear the reason.

Guy. [To Athene, sotto voce] He’s not safe.

Athene.  Oh! yes; go on.

     Guy follows Mrs builder, and after hesitation at the door they go
     out into the bedroom.

Builder.  Now then!

Athene.  Well, father, if you want to know the real reason, it’s—­you.

Builder.  What on earth do you mean?

Athene.  Guy wants to marry me.  In fact, we—­But I had such a stunner of marriage from watching you at home, that I—­

Builder.  Don’t be impudent!  My patience is at breaking-point, I warn you.

Athene.  I’m perfectly serious, Father.  I tell you, we meant to marry, but so far I haven’t been able to bring myself to it.  You never noticed how we children have watched you.

Builder.  Me?

Athene.  Yes.  You and mother, and other things; all sorts of things—­

Builder. [Taking out a handkerchief and wiping his brow] I really think you’re mad.

Athene.  I’m sure you must, dear.

Builder.  Don’t “dear” me!  What have you noticed?  D’you mean I’m not a good husband and father?

Athene.  Look at mother.  I suppose you can’t, now; you’re too used to her.

Builder.  Of course I’m used to her.  What else is marrying for?

Athene.  That; and the production of such as me.  And it isn’t good enough, father.  You shouldn’t have set us such a perfect example.

Builder.  You’re talking the most arrant nonsense I ever heard. [He lifts his hands] I’ve a good mind to shake it out of you.

Athene.  Shall I call Guy?

     He drops his hands.

Confess that being a good husband and father has tried you terribly.  It has us, you know.

Builder. [Taking refuge in sarcasm] When you’ve quite done being funny, perhaps you’ll tell me why you’ve behaved like a common street flapper.

Athene. [Simply] I couldn’t bear to think of Guy as a family man.  That’s all—­absolutely.  It’s not his fault; he’s been awfully anxious to be one.

Builder.  You’ve disgraced us, then; that’s what it comes to.

Athene.  I don’t want to be unkind, but you’ve brought it on yourself.

Builder. [Genuinely distracted] I can’t even get a glimmer of what you mean.  I’ve never been anything but firm.  Impatient, perhaps.  I’m not an angel; no ordinary healthy man is.  I’ve never grudged you girls any comfort, or pleasure.